Yemen: ICRC shocked by killing of ambulance driver

Sana'a/Geneva (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is shocked by the death of an ambulance driver working for Yemen's Ministry of Public Health and Population. Mohammed Said Al Nemr, 27 years old, died of a gunshot wound he sustained while responding to a medical emergency following clashes in Sana'a on 9 September. A Yemen Red Crescent Society ambulance was also hit by a bullet.

 "The ICRC is dismayed by the deaths and injuries that resulted from the events of the past few days, and calls upon all parties to respect life and human dignity at all times," said Cedric Schweizer, who heads the ICRC delegation in Sana'a.

 "Wounded persons and health personnel, vehicles and facilities must be protected and respected by all," he said. "Health personnel must be allowed to provide essential services and attend those injured on all sides. Security forces and all weapon bearers must abide by national, international and customary rules governing the use of force."

 The ICRC, which has been working in Yemen since 1962, has had a permanent presence in Sana'a since 1994. The organization is in contact with all parties involved in the current standoff, and is closely following the events that have unfolded in Sana'a in recent days.

For further information, please contact:

Marie Claire Feghali, ICRC Sana'a, tel: +967 73 607 19 67
Nada Doumani, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 22 730 37 23 or +41 79 447 37 26